One in five youth suffer from mental illness, and even more experience subclinical symptoms, yet this pathologic focus ignores factors of mental health that contribute to flourishing. The vast majority of research on emotional intelligence and subjective well-being has been conducted on adults and little is known about their relationship to social-emotional adjustment in youth, particularly across socioeconomic status and age. The present study examined the social-emotional adjustment (using... Show moreOne in five youth suffer from mental illness, and even more experience subclinical symptoms, yet this pathologic focus ignores factors of mental health that contribute to flourishing. The vast majority of research on emotional intelligence and subjective well-being has been conducted on adults and little is known about their relationship to social-emotional adjustment in youth, particularly across socioeconomic status and age. The present study examined the social-emotional adjustment (using the BASC-SRP and CBCL-YSR), subjective well-being (PANAS-C and BMSLSS), and teacher-rated emotional intelligence (Pfeiffer Emotional Intelligence Scale, Revised – Teacher Report) in 136 youth (61% female) across age (mean = 12.6 years old) and socioeconomic status (32% low income). Regression and moderation analyses did not reveal any significant relationships or moderating influences between the constructs and variables. Suggestions for future research to consider separately examining the factors of emotional intelligence in relation to components of subjective well-being and facets of social-emotional adjustment are discussed. Future research is strongly encouraged to further investigate factors of mental health alongside maladjustment and sub-clinical mental illness in an effort to clarify the complex relationship between these variables and inform the development of efficacious prevention and intervention programs for youth. Show less

Date Issued

2016

Identifier

FSU_SUMMER2017_Branagan_fsu_0071E_13335

Format

Thesis

Title

Meaning in Life in College Student Veterans: Exploring Its Relationship to Career Thoughts and Depression.

College student veterans may experience a variety of challenges as they transition from military life to student life, including adjusting to the academic environment, coping with mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety, redefining their identities, and balancing multiple roles (e.g., family, school, and work). In addition, research indicates that veterans may experience difficulty in finding meaning and purpose outside of the military. The purpose of the current study was to... Show moreCollege student veterans may experience a variety of challenges as they transition from military life to student life, including adjusting to the academic environment, coping with mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety, redefining their identities, and balancing multiple roles (e.g., family, school, and work). In addition, research indicates that veterans may experience difficulty in finding meaning and purpose outside of the military. The purpose of the current study was to add to the career development literature related to college student veterans and explore variables which may influence meaning and purpose in their lives, specifically career thoughts and depression. The current study utilized a passive observational research design to survey 132 college student veterans attending higher education institutions across different geographic locations in the United States. Regarding demographic characteristics, participants ranged across ages, military branches, and classification levels. Career thoughts was measured using the Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI), and depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale – Revised (CESD-R). Meaning in life was assessed using the presence of meaning and the search for meaning subscales of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). A linear multiple regression analysis was used to determine if the total scores on the CTI and the CESD-R were significant positive predictors of scores on the MLQ. In addition, Pearson correlation analyses were utilized to understand the relationship between meaning in life and depression, as well as meaning in life and career thoughts. Moreover, beyond career thoughts and depression, this study also sought to explore whether or not there were differences in meaning in life scores among particular demographic variables, including gender and ethnicity. ANOVA analyses were used to examine differences in meaning in life scores among participant gender and ethnicity. Results of the analyses revealed that both career thoughts and depression were statistically significant predictors of the presence of meaning in one’s life, with 46% of the variance in the presence of meaning in life scores accounted for by total scores on the CTI and the CESD-R. Pearson correlation results indicated that all variables were statistically significant at alpha level of .01. Furthermore, results of ANOVA procedures showed no statistically significant differences in the presence of meaning in life scores, as well as in the search for meaning in life scores, for the gender and ethnicity variables. Limitations of the study and areas for future research are discussed. Lastly, implications for practitioners working with student veteran populations are included. Show less

Date Issued

2016

Identifier

FSU_SUMMER2017_Buzzetta_fsu_0071E_13110

Format

Thesis

Title

The Emotional Reactions of Music Therapy Students to Simulated Auditory Hallucinations and Music.

The purpose of the study was to examine the emotional reactions of music therapy students to simulated auditory hallucinations and music. Eighteen music therapy students (13 female, 5 male) participated in the study. After signing a consent form, participants were randomly assigned to either the control (auditory hallucination simulation) or experimental (auditory hallucination simulation with music) group. Participants completed a demographic survey, PANAS (Watson & Clark, 1988) pretest,... Show moreThe purpose of the study was to examine the emotional reactions of music therapy students to simulated auditory hallucinations and music. Eighteen music therapy students (13 female, 5 male) participated in the study. After signing a consent form, participants were randomly assigned to either the control (auditory hallucination simulation) or experimental (auditory hallucination simulation with music) group. Participants completed a demographic survey, PANAS (Watson & Clark, 1988) pretest, listened to eight minutes of respective audio, and then completed a PANAS (Watson & Clark, 1988) post-test. Results were analyzed using two independent t-tests to test for significance, one for positive affect post scores and one for negative affect post scores. No statistically significant results were found. However, there was a noticeable difference in the mean scores for negative affect post scores. The results suggest that music may have assisted in preventing a larger increase in negative affect in the experiment group. Future research should include a larger sample to test for possible significance. Likewise, future researchers should implement similar studies with populations actually experiencing auditory hallucinations to explore the potential for development of emotion regulation interventions using music therapy. Show less

Date Issued

2016

Identifier

FSU_2016SP_Hoffer_fsu_0071N_13248

Format

Thesis

Title

Biopsychosocial Prenatal Predictors of Postpartum Depression.

Creator

Uhl, Aubree A., Department of Psychology

Abstract/Description

Postpartum depression affects up to 15% of women, is highly disabling, but under-addressed in obstetrics settings. The objectives of this study were to examine the characteristics of women seeking obstetrical services in a health system serving primarily Medicaid patients, and to examine biopsychosocial predictors of postpartum depression (PPD) that may be routinely assessed during obstetrical visits. Specific variables examined included a previous history of depression, maternal behavioral... Show morePostpartum depression affects up to 15% of women, is highly disabling, but under-addressed in obstetrics settings. The objectives of this study were to examine the characteristics of women seeking obstetrical services in a health system serving primarily Medicaid patients, and to examine biopsychosocial predictors of postpartum depression (PPD) that may be routinely assessed during obstetrical visits. Specific variables examined included a previous history of depression, maternal behavioral and health factors, and pregnancy complications. Multivariate analyses showed that prepartum depression, white race, and street drug use were significantly associated with postpartum depression. These findings can be used to help obstetricians target women with these risk factors and get them help before the onset of postpartum depression. Show less

Date Issued

2015

Identifier

FSU_migr_uhm-0448

Format

Thesis

Title

Altered Book-Making for Children and Adolescents Affected by Traumatic Loss.

This research study sought to test the effectiveness of using art therapy, specifically altered book-making, to decrease traumatic grief symptoms in children and adolescents. The study hypothesized that altered book-making with children and adolescents, who had experienced traumatic loss, would be effective in decreasing traumatic grief symptoms. The six-week/six-session treatment design used a single group pre/post-test, utilizing the UCLA PTSD-RI and an open-ended post-research survey. The... Show moreThis research study sought to test the effectiveness of using art therapy, specifically altered book-making, to decrease traumatic grief symptoms in children and adolescents. The study hypothesized that altered book-making with children and adolescents, who had experienced traumatic loss, would be effective in decreasing traumatic grief symptoms. The six-week/six-session treatment design used a single group pre/post-test, utilizing the UCLA PTSD-RI and an open-ended post-research survey. The population involved in the research were children and adolescents who had experienced the death of a family member through traumatic means, such as homicide or suicide, within the past five years. Four participants began the study, and three participant, completed both pre and post-test. The overall outcome of the study supported the researcher's hypothesis— participants reported increased understanding of grief responses, emotion identification, and self-reflection. Through altered book-making, participants also reported a decrease in anger, trauma symptoms and dissociation. Show less

The objective of this research is to elicit and analyze the use of visual response created by art therapists and its implications for their resiliency. As part of the mental health community, art therapists are exposed to trauma histories and traumatic events, their empathetic nature making them susceptible to the negative effects stress, which over time can accumulate and lead to clinician burnout. Although there is ample literature on the detrimental effects of the burnout syndrome on the... Show moreThe objective of this research is to elicit and analyze the use of visual response created by art therapists and its implications for their resiliency. As part of the mental health community, art therapists are exposed to trauma histories and traumatic events, their empathetic nature making them susceptible to the negative effects stress, which over time can accumulate and lead to clinician burnout. Although there is ample literature on the detrimental effects of the burnout syndrome on the helping professions, the literature is limited when it comes to art therapists and their distinct needs and resources. The current study used mixed methods to better understand the role of visual response art as it was used by participating art therapists in building and maintaining resilient and restorative self-care practices. Show less

Date Issued

RROR

Identifier

FSU_migr_etd-9641

Format

Thesis

Title

Behavioral Reactivity to Social Defeat Stress after Nicotine Exposure during Adolescence in C57/BL6 Male Mice.

Creator

Duperrouzel, Jacqueline, Department of Psychology

Abstract/Description

Nicotine use during adolescence is associated with the development of many debilitating pathologies in adulthood such as anxiety and depression. Adolescence is a time of many social pressures and biological changes occurring within the brain and body. Therefore, studying the effects of nicotine exposure during adolescence on stress and subsequent sensitivity to nicotine itself is of great interest. To examine these questions I designed experiments to assess both short (i.e., 24 hours after... Show moreNicotine use during adolescence is associated with the development of many debilitating pathologies in adulthood such as anxiety and depression. Adolescence is a time of many social pressures and biological changes occurring within the brain and body. Therefore, studying the effects of nicotine exposure during adolescence on stress and subsequent sensitivity to nicotine itself is of great interest. To examine these questions I designed experiments to assess both short (i.e., 24 hours after treatment) and long-term (i.e., four weeks after treatment) behavioral consequences of nicotine (0.32 mg/kg) exposure during adolescence (i.e., postnatal days 35-49) in C57/BL6 male mice by exposing them to social-defeat stress, social interaction, and subsequent preference for nicotine. Nicotine-treated mice in the short-term condition displayed avoidant behaviors and a preference for the lowest concentration of nicotine (5 mg/l). Interestingly, the nicotine-treated mice in the long-term condition displayed enhanced social avoidance as well, with a similar preference for the low concentration of nicotine. These results indicate that exposure to nicotine during adolescence influences social interaction behavior and increases preference for nicotine, findings that last into adulthood. Future studies using different stressors and a complete nicotine dose-response may reveal further insight into how nicotine affects this age group and its long-lasting consequences. The work presented here increases our understanding of the effects of nicotine exposure during adolescents and the later effects, which may develop over time. Show less

Date Issued

2013

Identifier

FSU_migr_uhm-0194

Format

Thesis

Title

Ego Depletion and Changes in the Premenstrual Phase: Impaired Self-Control as a Common Source.

Creator

Maranges, Heather, Department of Psychology

Abstract/Description

What accounts for the stark changes in emotion, cognition, and behavior in women during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle? I hypothesize that, in addition to the effects of hormones, a lack of self-control may account for these changes. The metabolically expensive activity of the premenstrual phase diverts energy from metabolically expensive self-regulatory processes, making the use of self-control more difficult. In this article, I experimentally test this hypothesis with the... Show moreWhat accounts for the stark changes in emotion, cognition, and behavior in women during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle? I hypothesize that, in addition to the effects of hormones, a lack of self-control may account for these changes. The metabolically expensive activity of the premenstrual phase diverts energy from metabolically expensive self-regulatory processes, making the use of self-control more difficult. In this article, I experimentally test this hypothesis with the dual-task paradigm common to self-control research. That is, participants perform one task that requires and depletes self-control—the Stroop task—followed by another task that requires self-control—a dependent measure. I randomly assigned 34 undergraduate women to either a control or ego depletion condition and to participate either during the premenstrual or postmenstrual phase of their menstrual cycles. I measured total affect, critical thinking, and aggression. Results, while preliminary, are consistent with the hypothesis that self-control depletion is not only linked to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes in the premenstrual phase, but also exaggerates these changes. I offer an explanation for my findings and conclude with a discussion of future work and implications. Show less

Date Issued

2014

Identifier

FSU_migr_uhm-0391

Format

Thesis

Title

Predicting Fruit and Vegetable Intake with the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Literature Review.

Creator

Klama, Jennifer, Department of Psychology

Abstract/Description

This literature review analyzed studies that used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict fruit and vegetable intake, a preventative health behavior. The TPB consists of four psychosocial constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and intention) which are proposed to predict behavior. A total of nine studies matched the research criteria in this review, with a total of 3,397 participants from the general adult population. After analysis, perceived behavioral... Show moreThis literature review analyzed studies that used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict fruit and vegetable intake, a preventative health behavior. The TPB consists of four psychosocial constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and intention) which are proposed to predict behavior. A total of nine studies matched the research criteria in this review, with a total of 3,397 participants from the general adult population. After analysis, perceived behavioral control was identified as the most common predictor of intention, and intention was the strongest predictor of fruit and vegetable intake. This review discusses the measurement successes of the studies; the importance of measuring beliefs which are the foundation of TPB constructs; as well as the importance of properly testing the fit of the model when the TPB is supplemented with additional constructs, such as self-efficacy. This review discussed the characteristics, methods, and results of the studies in order to inform future research and interventions promoting fruit and vegetable intake. Show less

Date Issued

2013

Identifier

FSU_migr_uhm-0223

Format

Thesis

Title

The Effects of Stress on the HPA-Axis of Adolescent Mice.

Creator

Weinstein, Leah, Department of Psychology

Abstract/Description

Mood disorders have become the most prevalent mental health disorder affecting US adults today. Exposure to emotional or physical stress can increase the likelihood of developing a mood disorder and thus is detrimental to the population. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-Axis functions in the stress response and is suggested to be involved in the manifestation of mood disorders. However, the mechanism(s) underlying the stress response are not completely understood therefore preclinical... Show moreMood disorders have become the most prevalent mental health disorder affecting US adults today. Exposure to emotional or physical stress can increase the likelihood of developing a mood disorder and thus is detrimental to the population. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-Axis functions in the stress response and is suggested to be involved in the manifestation of mood disorders. However, the mechanism(s) underlying the stress response are not completely understood therefore preclinical studies are indispensable. Here, I exposed male adolescent (postnatal day [PD] 30-40) C57/BJ mice to bouts of physical or emotional stress for ten consecutive days, and assessed HPA-Axis functioning by analyzing plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels at various time points after stress exposure. Mice exposed to physical and emotional stress displayed elevated plasma CORT levels 24 and 48 hours after stress exposure. The changes in HPA function were accompanied by behavioral deficits (i.e., increased anxiety-related behavior and social avoidance/withdrawal) 1 month after stress exposure. These results suggest unique involvement of the HPA-Axis in the manifestation of mood-related disorders, however complete mechanisms are not fully understood and continued research in this area is necessary. Show less